SINGAPORE--Lewis PR Asia-Pacific managing director of business development James Brasher has departed the firm to join boutique agency Rice Communications.

Brasher leaves Lewis after almost seven years with the tech PR agency. He joins Rice as director and partner, working with founder and managing partner Sonya Madeira to broaden the firm’s client base in Singapore and regionally.

Brasher will also oversee business development and serve as a senior point of contact for Rice’s partners and clients in the region.

Rice has grown rapidly since its launch in 2008. In addition to anchor client, Inmarsat, the firm's clients include Abbott, Bayer, Bosch, Cisco, eBay and GE Healthcare, and it has also supported numerous media organizations and tech start-ups.

“For organizations engaging an agency of any sort, often the most important factor in selection is the experience and aptitude of the team that will service their business," said Brasher in a statement. "Rice has a really solid team of consultants with varied experience across corporate, technology, healthcare and consumer; this will serve us well as we grow.” 

Three-year-old Rice was recently shortlisted for Asia-Pacific Boutique Consultancy of the Year honours by the Holmes Report.

“James is a great addition to the team. He brings a wealth of experience that Rice staff and clients will benefit greatly from,” added Madeira. “We have big plans to strengthen our proposition to clients, increase revenues and extend our footprint across the region. James will play a major role in making this happen.”